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Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health

January 2024

Happy New Year from CERAH

We hope your holiday season was filled with joy and togetherness. We wish you all the best as we step into 2024!

Announcements

January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month


Each January, the Alzheimer Society supports and leads Canada's Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Awareness is the first step to fighting stigma, reinforcing human rights and pushing for policy change.


This year's theme focuses on how the Alzheimer Society is the First Link® to Support, Community, Knowledge and Expertise.


First Link® is the Alzheimer Society program offering approved services and information to those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and caregivers.

LEARN MORE HERE

Dr. Kathy Kortes-Miller Receives Contribution to Teaching Award at Lakehead University


Congratulations to our director, Kathy Kortes-Miller on her CTA award! We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated and passionate leader here at CEARH and we are not surprised that her students feel the same. Well deserved!

Centre-Developed Resources

GRIEF & BEREAVEMENT RESOURCES

Grief & Bereavement Repository


Our website offers a range of informative resources on key health topics, including Indigenous health, palliative care, dementia, and aging at home. Recently, we've updated our Grief and Bereavement Repository which now features an expanded selection of local resources, catering to diverse groups such as children & youth, Indigenous peoples, and seniors. These resources are designed to support anyone seeking help with grief & loss.

Upcoming Events...

Let's Talk About MAiD - Saturday, January 20, 2024


You don’t want to miss this workshop dedicated to understanding and navigating the intricate aspects of Medical Assistance in Dying. This event is specifically designed for health and social care providers who are looking to deepen their knowledge and skills in this sensitive area. Join our special guest Lauren Clark and discover how to effectively support patients exploring this option.


There will also be a panel discussion with local MAiD providers and opportunities for Q&A and networking.


Light breakfast and networking luncheon provided. There is no cost for this event.


Note: Zoom link will be available for regional professionals unable to attend in person

REGISTER HERE

CERAH Speaker Series - January 31, 2024


"Wise Practices in Relational Engagement with Indigenous Peoples" with Joanna Vautour & Holly Prince


  • Explore respectful and meaningful engagement approaches with Indigenous Peoples
  • Engage in critical self-reflective practices and create a space to explore cultural safety & humility
REGISTER HERE AT NO COST

Facilitators:

  • Dr. Kathy Simpson
  • Valerie Jensen, RN
  • Jessica McAnulty, MSW
  • Shane Hintikka, PSW
REGISTER HERE (CLOSES ON JAN 26, 2024)

Sample Topics:

  • Decision-Making & ACP
  • Pain Management
  • Delirium & Dementia
  • Essential Conversations
  • Last Days & Hours
  • Grief

Note: Before you register, please ensure you have enough time to complete pre-course activities and modules (approx 9-10 hours) before the first webinar date.

Advancing Indigenous Policy & Practice Conference


Coordinated by the SE Health First Nations, Inuit, and Métis team, in partnership with Lakehead University’s Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health (CERAH), you will have the chance to participate in meaningful knowledge exchange with over 150 in-person and 200 virtual participants from across Canada.


When: February 6 - 8, 2024 

Where: Calgary & Online


NOTE: There is no cost for registration for those who work for an Indigenous Community or Organization

LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE

Calling all Northwestern Ontario Palliative Care Experts!

Do you have experience as an educator and a minimum of 2 years of cumulative experience working in palliative care?


Have you taken a LEAP course or are you interested in completing a course?


If so, you may be eligible to become a Pallium Certified LEAP Facilitator and attend CERAH's free in-person LEAP Facilitator Training.

CERAH has been coordinating and delivering Pallium Canada's Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative Care (LEAP) courses for over 15 years. We are looking for more facilitators to help grow capacity to advocate for, and support, better palliative care in our communities. Additionally, if teaching is not part of your role that can be supported by your organization, renumeration is provided.


If you are interested, please contact Stephanie Hendrickson at [email protected]

February 21, 2024

Palliative Care ECHO Lunch & Learn Series with Elder Albert McLeod 12 pm - 1 pm EDT


"Supporting Patients Who Identify as 2 Spirit-LGBTQ+ Who Could Benefit from a Palliative Approach to Care"


Join Elder Albert McLeod on Zoom as he discusses how you can better support your 2 Spirit-LGBTQ+ patients who are living with a life-limiting illness.

REGISTER HERE

SAVE THE DATE: March 21-22, 2024


LEAP Core Training for Indigenous Communities in Sioux Lookout, ON.


This course is accredited for up to 28 mainpro + credits.


Registration details coming soon. For any inquiries, please contact Jessica at [email protected]


Caring Connections Chronicle...

Dementia Cafe

Winter-Spring 2024 Dates


Dementia Cafe is a social program for people living with dementia, family and friends. It is a welcoming space to create relationships, and a sense of belonging.


Join us 3 Sundays per month from 2-4 pm at the Urban Abbey on Red River Rd., and enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries.


Upcoming Dementia Cafe Dates:



January 14th, & 21st

February 4th, 11th, & 25th

March 3rd, 10th, & 17th

April 7th, 14th, & 21st

May 5th, 12th, & 26th

VISIT THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE INFO

Other Resources...

For Informal Care Providers

REGISTER HERE

February 8, 2024

Hospice Northwest presents a Die-Alogues Event: A Conversation about MAiD


Join us for a light meal, followed by a panel discussion on Medical Assistance in Dying, with the opportunity for Q & A as well as small group conversations.


This complimentary event is for the general public and will feature panelists:


  • Dr. Katrina Ward, Palliative Care Physician & MAiD Provider
  • Kody Mintenko, RN, HBScN, MAiD Coordinator
  • Mary Ann Tuomi, MAiD Family Representative


with panel moderator, Dr. Kathy Kortes-Miller, Director, CERAH

January 19, 2024

Navigating Palliative Care at Home: Insights from a Bedside Nurse


Learn about the compassionate and holistic approach to palliative care, symptom management, communication strategies, and the vital role of caregivers in creating a comfortable and supportive home environment.



Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a caregiver, or simply interested in enhancing the quality of life for your loved ones, this webinar will provide invaluable guidance and expertise from the front lines of palliative care in a home setting.

REGISTER HERE

For Health & Social Care Providers

Contact Cherie at (807) 626-5575 or [email protected] to book a 20 - 60 minute education seminar.

Palliative Advocacy Care Team (PACT) Education


PACT’s education is designed to provide your team with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by our region’s most vulnerable citizens in accessing palliative care.


Understand the barriers to accessing palliative care for the homeless & vulnerably housed, where even basic health & social needs often go unmet.


Content includes:

Understanding vulnerability | Barriers to care | Trauma-informed care | Harm-reduction approaches to care | Navigating healthcare systems | Connecting patients to PACT

Interplay of Mood and Cognition in Late Life - January 16, 2024

12:00 - 1:00 pm EST


In this webinar, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, geriatric psychiatrist, will discuss the complex interplay of mood and cognition in late life. How mood disorder can impact risk of developing dementia, and its diagnosis, and risk of depression in those with existing cognitive disorder. We will also touch on challenges in assessment and management of depression in the context of cognitive disorders.

REGISTER HERE

In the News...



Digital Connection

LISTEN NOW!

Disrupting Death: Conversations about Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada. Hosts, Kathy Kortes-Miller and Keri-Lyn Durant lead with curiosity as they interview a wide range of guests who know M.A.i.D intimately.


Latest Episode: Simon Malbogat & Catherine Frid


In this episode, Kathy and Keri have an enthralling conversation with Catherine and Simon, the playwright and director “Two-Sided Mirror,” an interactive play that follows a family whose member is considering MAiD. Through the viewpoints of each family member, the realities of MAiD and its implications are explored. The interactive element of the play allows for audience members to find new ways to navigate these challenging circumstances, should they arise.

Dementia Dialogue often features people living with dementia, their care/life partners, and supporters sharing experiences. Through the interviews, guests demonstrate their capacity to live fully. Other episodes include conversations with researchers and advocates.

LISTEN NOW!

Connect with Us!

Contact us if you have any questions about our resources or upcoming events. We are also interested in aging and health news from your region, so please keep in touch!

CERAH - Lakehead University

955 Oliver Road, Balmoral Street Centre

Thunder Bay, ON P7B5E1

(807) 343-8010 ext. 7271

Contact Us Today
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